McCrory lights State Capitol Christmas tree

"It's advent, so every day we have an activity," said Annie Frank, who brought her daughters, Lola and Sophie, to the event to help them learn the importance of family and traditions.

"I have all sorts of different things on like driving around to go see the lights and coming to do this," Frank said. "At this age, it's kind of hard, but maybe if we do something every day, they'll get it."

Sarah Davis is also getting her daughter started early. This will be Emma Catherine's first Christmas and the family's first holiday in the Triangle.

"We've just moved to Raleigh and wanted to see what the town had to offer," Davis said.

Kelly Cherry and her organization, the Junior Woman's Club of Raleigh, handed out hot cider and cookies at the event, which also included performances by local musicians. She said the tree-lighting encourages the community to come together.

"It's just a great opportunity for everyone to come out and see the tree light up and be around each other. and enjoy the holiday season," Cherry said.

After watching the 24-foot tree from Peak Farms, near Jefferson, light up, people made their way inside the Capitol, where Christmas music was played on steel drums and trees donated by Cartner Christmas Tree Farm of Asheville were decorated with home grown fruits and vegetables by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

McCrory and first lady Ann McCrory asked visitors to bring donations of food, blankets, towels, toys and treats for North Carolina's rural animal shelters to the event.